Hyderabad: The Uppal Police in the Rachakonda commissionerate have filed criminal cases against former office bearers of the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA), including ex-president Mohammad Azharuddin. These cases involve allegations of funds misappropriation during the procurement of gym equipment, cricket balls, fire extinguishers, and bucket seats intended for use at HCA premises and the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium.
The misappropriation and diversion of HCA funds to private agencies under the guise of supplying materials to HCA allegedly occurred between March 2020 and February 2023. This came to light during a forensic audit conducted by a private firm at the request of HCA. The audit revealed financial losses, fund diversions, and misappropriation of assets belonging to HCA. As a result, HCA CEO Suneel Kante Bose filed a complaint, leading to the registration of four cases.
For the procurement of fire safety equipment, the tender was awarded to M/s Firewin Safety Engineers, quoting Rs. 1,88,97,759 (excluding taxes) for HCA. However, a third-party expert obtained a quotation for the same at Rs. 54,31,014, indicating a 248% markup from existing prices—a significant overuse of funds for this item.
Furthermore, in the procurement of red and white test balls, there’s suspicion surrounding Sara Sports’ qualifications. It’s alleged that the tender process was bypassed by Mohammad Azharuddin and the then treasurer Surender Agarwal, without involvement from the tender committee. Payments were made in full to the vendor even without orders being delivered, indicating misappropriation of funds for personal use, resulting in a loss of over Rs 57 lakh.
The price was inflated by Rs. 1,50,37,112 (excluding taxes and unpaid dumbbell set cost), suggesting overcharging and a loss for HCA.
Additionally, police filed three more cases related to players submitting forged age certificates to participate in underage teams. Investigations are underway to ascertain who issued these certificates and how they were cleared at the HCA.
